Matty Johns’ Big Three: Cameron Murray a throwback to 80s and 90s, and Latrell Mitchell’s just a freak

South Sydney have emerged as one of the early premiership frontrunners — Matty Johns explains why much of it can be put down to the old-school approach of an unheralded star. Plus the all-time skill Latrell Mitchell possesses.

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After six rounds, the cream is starting to rise to the top of the NRL — with the Sydney Roosters producing an eye-catching win over the previously undefeated Melbourne Storm to lay down their marker as the team to beat once again.

Joining them on five wins, however, are fierce rivals South Sydney who scrapped their way to a Good Friday win over Canterbury thanks in no small part to a powerhouse showing from lock Cameron Murray.

Watch Matty’s “Big Three” in the player above.

Cameron Murray is bringing back an old-school approach. Picture: Getty

It was Murray’s performance — and the old-school nature of his style of play — which caught the eye of Matty Johns.

In his weekly “Big Three” takeaways from the weekend, Johns described Murray as a throwback to the era of ball-playing locks — likening the young star to Jason Smith, Jym Dymock and Parramatta legend Ray Price.

“(South Sydney’s win) wasn’t a pretty game but I just loved the first half performance from Murray,” Johns said.

“He’s just a really old-fashioned lock. I call him a lock because he’s not like your typical 13s these days, these big front rowers that metre-eat in the middle of the field.

“He’s an old fashioned lock forward, like Jimmy Dymock, Jason Smith… even a bit like a Ray Price.

“He can take them on through the middle, he can use a little bit of vision and ball playing. I want to see more of it.”

Latrell Mitchell sunk the Storm with a glorious field goal. Picture: AAP

Johns was also blown away by Latrell Mitchell’s golden point field goal to sink the Storm, describing it as “one of the sweetest field goals I’ve ever seen”.

“In fact Latrell Mitchell has the biggest drop kick I’ve ever seen,” Johns said.

“Last year he did a drop out that went over 65 metres.”

Watch Matty’s “Big Three” in the player at the top of the page.

Originally published as Matty Johns’ Big Three: Cameron Murray a throwback to 80s and 90s, and Latrell Mitchell’s just a freak